Let the Shadow Return Backward Ten Degrees.
Through repentance, fellowship with God, and Christ's love, we can restore lost years, regain happiness, and reconnect with loved ones.
F.B. Meyer reflects on the miraculous event of the shadow returning backward ten degrees, using it as a metaphor for the possibility of reclaiming lost time and experiences in our lives. He emphasizes that while wasted years cannot be reversed, true repentance and turning to God can restore the shadow of a wasted life. Meyer encourages believers that even in the twilight of life, through fellowship with God, one can regain the joy of happier days. He also reassures those grieving the loss of loved ones that Christ's love can restore and surpass earthly relationships, offering hope for reunion in the afterlife.
Text
Let the shadow return backward ten degrees. 2 Kings xx. 10.
IT is impossible for us to understand how this could be. The shadow of the declining day waxes ever longer, and only a miracle could change its appearance on the dial. It may suggest some significant thoughts about shadows that may still go back.
The shadow of a wasted life. ‑‑ Of course, there is a sense in which the wasted years will never come again; they have passed beyond recall. But the shadow may go back on the dial of our life when we truly repent, and turn again to God, for He hath promised: "I will never leave thee, neither forsake thee." And "I will give back the years that the canker worm and caterpillar have eaten."
The shadow of happier days. ‑‑ These seem to have gone. For long you have noticed the growing twilight, and it has seemed impossible ever again to have the lightsomeness and spring of one or two decades back. But be of good cheer, for when a man comes into that fellowship with God which sorrow and temptation teach, when with growing years he attains added grace, we are told that he shall return to the days of his youth.
The shadow of early affection. ‑‑ Have you lost loved ones, so that your life is like a house the windows of which, one after another, have become shuttered and dark? But love is not forfeited for ever. Those who forsake all for Christ's sake shall get all back again in Him. His love comprehends all human love. The relationships of his kingdom surpass in tenderness and tenacity those of the warmest earthly ties. Thy brother shall rise again, and thou shalt hear him call thy name, and shalt sit with him in the Home of Life.
Sermon Outline
- The Shadow of a Wasted Life
- The Shadow of Happier Days
- The Shadow of Early Affection
- Love is not forfeited forever, but can be restored through Christ
- The relationships of God's kingdom surpass earthly ties
Key Quotes
“I will never leave thee, neither forsake thee.” — F.B. Meyer
“I will give back the years that the canker worm and caterpillar have eaten.” — F.B. Meyer
“Thy brother shall rise again, and thou shalt hear him call thy name, and shalt sit with him in the Home of Life.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We can regain lost years and happiness through repentance and fellowship with God.
- Christ's love can restore our relationships with loved ones and surpass earthly ties.
- Growing in grace allows us to return to our youthful days and experience added light and spring in our lives.